According to the James-Lange theory of emotion: A. the experience of emotion depends on autonomic arousal and on one's cognitive interpretation of that arousal. B. different patterns of autonomic activation lead to the experience of different emotions C. emotion occurs when the thalamus sends signals simultaneously to the cortex and to the autonomic nervous system. D. emotions develop because of their adaptive value.

First, let's define the James-Lange theory of emotion. This theory proposes that the experience of an emotion is the result of physiological arousal (e.g., changes in heart rate, respiration, etc.), and that our cognitive interpretation of this arousal leads to the subjective sensation of specific emotions. In other words, we feel emotions because we recognize the physiological responses to stimuli.

Now that we understand the James-Lange theory, let's analyze each answer choice and see which one best matches the theory's description: A. "the experience of emotion depends on autonomic arousal and on one's cognitive interpretation of that arousal." - This answer choice matches the description given in step 1. It emphasizes the role of autonomic arousal and cognitive interpretation in emotional experiences. B. "different patterns of autonomic activation lead to the experience of different emotions." - While this answer choice focuses on autonomic activation, it does not mention the cognitive interpretation, which is a crucial aspect of the James-Lange theory. C. "emotion occurs when the thalamus sends signals simultaneously to the cortex and to the autonomic nervous system." - This answer choice describes the role of the brain in emotional experiences but does not focus on the specific elements of the James-Lange theory of emotion. D. "emotions develop because of their adaptive value." - While this answer choice provides a possible explanation for the development of emotions, it does not directly address the James-Lange theory or its core components.

Based on our analysis in step 2, the most accurate description of the James-Lange theory of emotion is in answer choice A. This answer choice emphasizes both the role of autonomic arousal and the cognitive interpretation of that arousal in the experience of emotions.